The imminent extinction of this remarkable primate (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is not purely the result of industrial or agricultural incursions into its habitat or First World rapaciousness. Although logging of Madagascar's rainforest and the increasing land requirements of the island's exploding population are the greatest threats to this mysterious lemur, it is superstition which might ultimately condemn it. It is regarded by many local people as an omen of death and some communities kill it deliberately. Although some animals have been captured and released on protected reserves it may be too late to save the species.
The nocturnal aye-aye uses its large ears to listen for grubs burrowing beneath tree bark then chisels off the outer layer of bark with its incisors before fishing out the larvae with its long middle finger. It eats fruit by gnawing through the skin and using its finger to tear out the flesh.
.png "Aye-Aye (Barbapapa Around the World).png (495 KB)")
